Sacramento Kings forward Zach Randolph, 36, was arrested on Wednesday night at Nickerson Gardens in Watts on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, according to an LAPD spokesperson. A number of police vehicles were vandalized as officers clashed with the growing crowd at the large public housing complex last night.
Police officers were in the area of 112th Street and Zamora on the edge of the housing complex at around 10:18 p.m. when "they observed a large crowd drinking and smoking and blocking the roadway," according to LAPD Officer Rosario Herrera. Herrera told LAist that officers observed three suspects reach for their waistbands and run away. A foot pursuit ensued. Officers immediately detained one subject who was then questioned and released, accorded to Herrera. "Two others were taken into custody, and that's when the crowd grew larger," she said.
A help call was placed requesting additional units and assistance from the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, generating what NBC 4 described as "a massive police response." The L.A. Times reports that rocks and bottles were thrown at police officers beginning at around 10:40 p.m. A dispersal order was given and several "scrimmage lines" were also formed, according to Herrera.
Randolph, a two-time NBA All-Star and former Clipper, was one of two people arrested during the clash. A 43-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of being an ex-convict in possession of a gun, according to authorities. Police also recovered two guns and impounded narcotics and two vehicles at the scene, according to the L.A. Times.
Five LAPD patrol cars and one L.A. County Sheriff’s Department vehicle were vandalized during the incident, according to the Daily News.
Randolph is currently out of custody after posting bail and is due back in court on August 31.
